Nikki Burrage
I have proudly worked at Cann Bridge School since 2001, when the school was known as Downham School. During this time, I have had the privilege of working in a variety of roles, including Teaching Assistant, Higher Level Teaching Assistant and Unqualified Teacher, supporting many of the school's most complex and individual learners.
Through these experiences, I became increasingly aware of the importance of looking beyond the classroom and considering the wider support that learners and their families may need to thrive. This inspired my move into the role of Family & Learner Support Advisor, a position that was newly created at the time and one that allowed me to strengthen the vital links between home, school and the wider community.
Today, I am proud to serve as Inclusion & Pastoral Care Lead and a member of the Senior Leadership Team. In this strategic role, I lead and oversee the school's inclusive, pastoral and wellbeing provision, ensuring that every learner receives the support they need to access education, develop independence and achieve positive outcomes. My work focuses on removing barriers to learning, promoting wellbeing, supporting attendance, and ensuring that our learners and families are at the centre of everything we do.
I provide strategic leadership for a number of key areas across the school, including medical needs, pastoral care, behaviour, attendance, family support and therapeutic interventions. I work closely with our Health & Care Assistant, Positive Behaviour Support Lead, Family & Learner Support Advisor and Mealtime Assistant team to ensure that provision is effective, responsive and impactful.
A significant part of my role involves working collaboratively with external professionals and agencies to coordinate specialist support for our learners. This includes Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Educational Psychology, Plymouth Learning Partnership's Multi-Agency Support Team (MAST), SEND Family Hub services and other specialist providers. I monitor and evaluate interventions carefully, ensuring that support is timely, well-coordinated and has a meaningful impact on learners' wellbeing, engagement and progress.
As Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, I am committed to ensuring that safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion underpin every aspect of school life. I work closely with families, staff and external agencies to provide early help and support, helping to ensure that concerns are identified and addressed at the earliest opportunity.
I am passionate about building strong relationships with families and believe that effective partnerships are key to helping children and young people achieve their full potential. Whether you are seeking advice, support, guidance, or simply someone to listen, I am always happy to help.
I also work closely with our SEND Family Hub, helping to strengthen support not only for Cann Bridge families but for the wider SEND community across Plymouth. Through collaborative working with colleagues, families and partner agencies, I strive to ensure that every learner has the opportunity to thrive and achieve the very best outcomes possible.
As part of the Senior Leadership Team, I work alongside the Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher and Assistant Headteacher to drive continuous school improvement, ensuring that our vision, values and high aspirations remain at the heart of everything we do.
I feel incredibly privileged to be part of the Cann Bridge community and to work alongside such dedicated staff, wonderful learners and supportive families every day.
Roles, responsibilities and strategic oversight of:
- Inclusion, Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
- Family Support and Early Help
- Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
- Attendance and Engagement
- Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Medical Needs and Health Provision
- Wave 2 and Wave 3 Intervention Provision including Therapeutic and Specialist Interventions
- Multi-Agency Working and External Professional Partnerships
- Admissions and Transitions (alongside Key Stage Leads)
- SEND Family Hub Strategic Link
- Nurture Breakfast Provision
- Wraparound and Family Support Services
- Mealtime Assistant Team Leadership
- Continuity of Care and Transition Planning into Adulthood and Future Placements
